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Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
‘Cream of poison' sparks public health emergency at Dadumajra
1 2 Chandigarh: Despite repeated deadlines and public assurances, the Dadumajra garbage dump continues to pose a grave threat to both the environment and public health, with heavy monsoon rains now aggravating the crisis. Overflowing leachate, contaminated liquid runoff, mixed with solid waste is spreading into nearby fields, residential colonies, and even seeping into the Patiala Ki Rao Choe. Residents say the situation has spiralled into a full-blown environmental emergency. "Initially, the authorities had promised to clear the waste by May 31. But ironically, on the very same day, a massive fire erupted at the dumping ground, requiring 1.25 lakh litres of water to extinguish the flames," said Dyal Krishan, president of the joint action committee, dumping ground side. "Later, the deadline was pushed to July. Yet, the garbage remains stacked like a towering mountain." Meanwhile, the foul odour from the leachate has turned daily life into a nightmare for residents, who say that even breathing has become a struggle. "People here are already suffering from skin diseases, asthma, TB, and even cancer, yet the authorities have taken no concrete steps," alleged Amit Sharma, an advocate representing affected residents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover the upgrades that set the New Koda 2 Pro apart Ooni Pizza Ovens Learn More Undo He called the leachate the "cream of poison" contaminating the soil, air, and water. Locals say the toxic mix is not just a health hazard, but also a safety issue. "The leachate is making the roads slippery and accident-prone," warned Dharamvir, chairman of the SC department, Chandigarh Congress. From chronic illness to constant discomfort, the crisis affects the entire neighbourhood. "I've been staying here for over four decades," said Dinesh Kumar, a long-time resident. "And whenever I look up, all I see are garbage heaps. The smell is unbearable." Residents are demanding immediate removal of the waste and long-term solutions to manage leachate and solid waste effectively. MC commissioner Amit Kumar said, "we have been keeping the situation under control, but we will review it." For now, Dadumajra remains trapped under a mountain of toxic inaction. With public outrage growing, the spotlight is once again on the authorities, whose repeated deadlines have failed to bring lasting change.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chandigarh Congress criticises UT administration for demolition of Furniture Market
1 2 Chandigarh: Chandigarh Congress on Sunday criticised the UT administration for bulldozing and demolishing the decades-old Furniture Market, leaving hundreds of shopkeepers devastated and rendering scores of workers jobless. Congress stated that the action was undertaken in disregard of the Honourable High Court's observation that a sympathetic view be taken and that efforts be made by the administration to see if alternate sites could be allotted to the affected parties to continue their livelihood. "Rather than pursuing a humane and consultative process, the administration opted for an abrupt and arbitrary demolition without reasonable time for evacuation and without any arrangement for the protection or relocation of inventory and assets. As a result, numerous shopkeepers suffered irreparable financial losses, losing not only their goods and furniture but also the very foundations of their businesses," Congress said. Chandigarh Congress president HS Lucky strongly condemned the administration's insensitivity, saying, "What we are witnessing is not governance, but a systematic dismantling of the social fabric that binds our city. The administration has shown no regard for human suffering and no commitment to the principles of a welfare state. We demand that an immediate and comprehensive rehabilitation scheme be introduced and that alternate sites be allotted to the affected shopkeepers to enable them to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Anything less would be a betrayal of the very ethos of governance in a democratic and socialist republic." The Congress stated that it stands firmly with the affected families and pledges to raise this matter at every appropriate forum until justice is served. It is imperative that the administration is held accountable for this gross overreach and made to answer for its repeated failure to act with fairness, compassion, and responsibility. Lucky also criticised the Modi-led central govt, under whom the Chandigarh administration works directly, for failing to provide relief to these decades-old establishments. (Photos Pritam Thakur)
NDTV
24-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Elections To Chandigarh Mayoral Polls Can Now Be Held By Show Of Hands
Chandigarh: Election to the posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation can now be held by a show of hands instead of a secret ballot. Punjab Governor and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, on Tuesday approved an amendment to Regulation 6 of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1996. "With this amendment, the mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor will now be elected through a show of hands instead of the earlier secret ballot method," said an official statement here. Kataria said the new system will bring greater transparency in the election process and make the role of elected representatives clearer and accountable. He expressed hope that this change will help improve the functioning and governance of the municipal corporation and will further strengthen trust in democratic processes. The amendment was earlier passed in the House meeting of the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh. It was proposed under the legal powers granted by Section 398(2) of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 (as extended to the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the Chandigarh UT Act, 1994). The proposal was then sent to the Administrator for approval, which has now been formally granted. A controversy had erupted during the 2024 mayoral polls when the then presiding officer, Anil Masih, was caught on camera invalidating eight ballot papers which were in favour of the AAP-Congress. The matter had then reached the Supreme Court, which overturned the result of the Chandigarh mayoral poll in which the BJP candidate had won. The apex court declared AAP's Kuldeep Kumar the mayor of the Chandigarh MC. Meanwhile, Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky welcomed the decision and thanked the Administrator for this step. He said the Chandigarh Congress and MP Manish Tewari had been demanding for allowing voting by showing of hands. "This will pave the way for cleaner politics and help in enhancing the image of Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh and its councillors who constantly face charges of horse trading," he said in a statement.
Indian Express
02-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Chandigarh's Maloya residents grapple with foul water crisis
Written by : Prisha Arora Residents of Maloya Colony in Chandigarh's Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing cluster are battling a persistent crisis of contaminated water, prompting intervention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has issued a notice to the Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner seeking a detailed report by June 27. Complaints about black, foul-smelling, and muddy water have been flooding in for weeks, with multiple families reporting illness, especially among children, due to consuming the supplied water. Santosh Kumar, 41, a factory labourer who lives with eight family members, described the water as 'completely black and muddy'. 'It smelled terrible. Even after boiling it, my children had been ill for nearly a week,' he said. 'Everyone in the house fell sick — my son had severe stomach problems. We still face skin issues like itching near the eyes.' Though he considered purchasing an RO filter, he said he had to redirect his savings toward his sister's upcoming wedding. 'There was some leakage, but even after they said it was fixed, the water didn't improve.' Ajit Kumar, a 35-year-old driver, said mornings in his home begin with a half-hour of flushing muddy water from the taps. 'Every morning at 6, the water starts coming. For the first half hour, it's muddy and smells horrible. We have to leave the tap running to flush it out, paani bohot barbaad hota hai,' he said. 'I told Mr. Dilawar and he said he'd inform someone, but nothing happened.' Ram Minister, 36, who lives with nine family members, said the water issues began around April 20. 'First, I got a fever and stomach issues. Then my wife and kids fell sick. We had no choice but to boil water. The Pradhan helped us and got the leakage fixed. Now, it's a little better, but the past month was very difficult.' A 45-year-old rickshaw puller, who requested anonymity, said both he and his wife fell seriously ill due to the contaminated supply. 'I try to buy Bisleri for my children, but it's too expensive. I can't afford RO or bottled water. Har insaan ko paani peene ka adhikaar hai. We are not even getting that,' he said. 'Despite repeated complaints, the problem continues. For 45 to 60 minutes every morning, we have to keep the tap open. Sometimes it improves, but then it turns muddy again.' Rajinder Kumar, 39, a small business owner living with six family members, said the situation has improved slightly. 'For the past five–seven days, the water has been cleaner. But it still turns muddy in the mornings. My children had fallen sick earlier, and we had no option but to boil the water before drinking.' Councillor Nirmala Devi of Ward 28 (Maloya), who is also the spokesperson for the Chandigarh Congress, was unavailable for comment. Her husband Dilawar, speaking on her behalf, said the water supply system had not yet been fully handed over to the Municipal Corporation. 'The implementation is still pending,' he said. 'We visited the booster and found clean water there. At the Housing Board, they said it's the MC's job. The MC said the Housing Board should handle it. Eventually, both chief engineers joined me, and we discovered a leakage in the pipeline.' Officials claim that the problem is now restricted to two–three buildings out of 13–14, and some repair work has been initiated. However, the absence of clear accountability has only deepened the frustration of residents. With the NHRC now directly involved, pressure is mounting on the authorities to implement a long-term, coordinated solution. Until then, the residents of Maloya continue to grapple with a basic, unmet necessity — the right to clean drinking water. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
UT Cong takes out Jai Hind Yatra to salute country's armed forces
Chandigarh: In a resounding show of patriotism and gratitude, Chandigarh Congress Sunday took out a ' Jai Hind Yatra ' from Vikas Nagar in Mauli Jagran to thank the armed forces . It was led by Congress leader and Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari and president of the party's UT unit, HS aim of the yatra was to express deep appreciation for the Indian Army 's decisive and courageous action against Pakistan, reinforcing the nation's faith in its armed forces and their unwavering commitment to protecting Indian citizens. The yatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from Congress workers, local residents, youth, and ex-servicemen, who joined together in chants of national pride, waving the tricolour and raising slogans to salute the valour of the Indian soldiers .Addressing the gathering, Tewari said, "The Indian Army once again proved that the safety, sovereignty, and dignity of our nation are in the most capable hands. Their resolute and effective action against aggression from across the border deserves not only our gratitude but our highest respect. Today, we stand united as a people to honour their bravery and sacrifice." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
